LAVANDA BROWN
Executive Director
​YWCA.GC

LaVanda Brown works hard every day to empower women and eliminate racism: YWCA.GC's dual mission. While honoring its historic legacy with programs like its annual MLK Celebration, she has also transformed the nonprofit with a series of highly effective programs like #WhatWomenBring, honoring South Carolina's women in business, community, and culture; WE 360° for women entrepreneurs of color; Racial Equity & Inclusion workshops; and Y Girls Code technology clubs to increase opportunities for girls of color. Along with other recognition, she has been featured in the Philanthropy Journal.

RICHIE SIMONE LEE
Owner
Birthing With Purpose

An educator and advocate for families of color preparing for a birth, Simone founded her firm to teach mothers their options for delivery, deliver continuous in-person support during labor, and assist them during the postpartum period. This certified doula also co-founded, with several partners, the Berkeley Early Education & Care Collective, where she serves as doula mentor of its Birthing A Community cohort. She has presented twice at the Networks of Opportunity for Child Wellbeing national conference on health disparities among Black pregnant women, and served as volunteer doula at Florence Crittendon Home. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston.